Depression in the 40s may determine the phase for dementia after years: Study
A new study suggests that depression increases the risk of dementia at any age. Early treatment of depression can protect the health of the brain and reduce the cases of future dementia
In short
- Depression increases dementia risk whether it is in midlife or later
- Depression may damage the brain beyond mental health effects
- Treating depression can help protect brain health for a long time
A new study found that people who have depression are more likely to develop dementia in life later.
It is true whether depression occurs in a middle age (such as in your 40s or 50s) or at an older age (such as in or later in your 60s).
The research was conducted by scientists from Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham at the University of Kartin, Adelaide, Adelaide, and the Dementia Center of Excellence at the University of Cutin, in Australia.
One of the researchers, Jacob Brain said that depression does not only affect your mental health – it can also hurt your brain in a long time. This is the reason that according to a study published in a medical journal Econical Meedicine in a part of the lancet, it is important to treat depression at any age.
Defection is a condition that affects memory and thinking. This is a brain-skin condition, causing problems with memory loss, confusion, and thinking, speaking or doing everyday tasks. It deteriorates over time and affects mostly older adults.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. More than 57 million people in the world have, and there is no treatment yet. Therefore, finding ways to reduce risk, such as treating depression, can help protect the health of the brain.
Researchers stated that depression and dementia can be added due to changes in brain, blood vessels, hormones, or even genetics. Some changes in how the brain works can also play a role.
Earlier research showed that people with depression were more likely to receive dementia, but scientists were not sure when depression had the greatest effect in life before or after.
This new study tried to answer that question. Researchers saw several old studies and added new data. He investigated whether the time of depression (midlife or late life) has changed the risk of dementia.
Their findings showed that midlife and subsequent life depression increase the risk, but later depression in life may also be an early warning indication that dementia is beginning to develop.
The study suggests that doctors and health systems should seriously treat depression, not only to help people feel better, but also to protect their minds for the future.
